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'My Master of Business (Accounting) directly contributed to the progression of my career. Upon completion of my degree, I was able to advance from Financial Controller for the company I was employed by to CFO. When I left that company, I secured a Director – Finance role with a global NYSE-listed company.'
Chief Operating Officer, Just Country Australia
Real opportunities
'Through QUT, I was able to spend my summer holiday working at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where I applied all the knowledge and skills I’ve gained at QUT, such as teamwork and time management, into practice.'
Opening up opportunities
'My studies at QUT opened up opportunities for me that I may not otherwise have had. This was a great opportunity for me because I ended up gaining employment at a firm I had always wanted to work at since I commenced my university education.'
Real opportunities
'Through QUT, I was able to spend my summer holiday working at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where I applied all the knowledge and skills I’ve gained at QUT, such as teamwork and time management, into practice.'
Opening up opportunities
'My studies at QUT opened up opportunities for me that I may not otherwise have had. This was a great opportunity for me because I ended up gaining employment at a firm I had always wanted to work at since I commenced my university education.'
Invest in your education
Study at a Business School in the global top 1%. Of the over 13,000 schools offering business degree programs worldwide, QUT is one of only three Australian business schools to be awarded triple international accreditation.
Program overview
- Unlock various opportunities, from high-level executive positions to starting your own professional services firm, with QUT's Master of Business (Professional Accounting), designed for those with no prior accounting experience.
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the core accounting areas of financial reporting, management accounting, auditing, taxation, and financial management.
- Develop digital competencies and in-demand transferable skills in critical and analytical thinking, leadership, and data analysis.
- Acquire hands-on experience with prominent accounting and tax return software, as well as cloud-based accounting technology platforms.
- Learn firsthand from accounting professionals working in the field in areas such as auditing, taxation, business development, financial reporting, and management accounting.
- Graduate with a degree recognised by CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) and global accounting bodies (subject to specific core unit selection).
- Complete this 2-year program in 1.5 years if you have a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field. See entry requirements for details.
Program overview
- Unlock various opportunities, from high-level executive positions to starting your own professional services firm, with QUT's Master of Business (Professional Accounting), designed for those with no prior accounting experience.
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the core accounting areas of financial reporting, management accounting, auditing, taxation, and financial management.
- Develop digital competencies and in-demand transferable skills in critical and analytical thinking, leadership, and data analysis.
- Acquire hands-on experience with prominent accounting and tax return software, as well as cloud-based accounting technology platforms.
- Learn firsthand from accounting professionals working in the field in areas such as auditing, taxation, business development, financial reporting, and management accounting.
- Graduate with a degree recognised by CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) and global accounting bodies (subject to specific core unit selection).
- Complete this 2-year program in 1.5 years if you have a bachelor degree in business or a related field. See entry requirements for details.
Why choose this course?
Accounting extends far beyond the stereotype of number crunching and is often referred to as the 'language of business.' Accountants play a key role in delivering crucial financial and non-financial insights that inform the very core of all strategic decisions made by key stakeholders.
If you aspire to advance your career, take on higher-level positions, or start your own professional services firm, QUT's Master of Business (Professional Accounting) will help you realise this potential. This program is specifically tailored for individuals who have a strong interest in the field but lack previous education in accounting. Whether you want to pivot into an accounting career or elevate your current skill set, this program will equip you with the proficiency to master complex financial budgets and operate leading accounting information systems.
Moreover, this degree meets the academic requirements for entry into professional programs offered by CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, and the Institute of Public Accountants.
Explore this course
Throughout the program, you will develop advanced skills in financial reporting, management accounting, financial management, auditing, and budgeting. Additionally, you will be introduced to the specialist area of taxation and gain foundational knowledge in economics, data analysis, and business and corporations law.
As the accounting profession undergoes increasing automation, the demand for accountants and professionals to embrace technological advancements is rising. To address these needs, we collaborate closely with industry experts to continuously evolve our curriculum to align with the dynamic industry landscape. This approach ensures you learn the most up-to-date practices and acquire the latest skills in technical innovation and adaptability.
Another way we prepare our students for the evolving accounting field is through practical, hands-on learning opportunities. As part of your studies, you will gain expertise in operating and navigating widely used, leading accounting and tax return software, as well as cloud-based accounting technology platforms. This knowledge will equip you with the necessary technological expertise to confidently handle and utilise accounting information systems.
Real-world learning is also an integral part of this course. Throughout your studies, you will engage in a wide range of real-world case studies, allowing you to apply the theoretical knowledge you have gained to practical situations. In the final capstone unit, you will collaborate with a small peer group to address a genuine client problem for an industry partner, providing you with invaluable practical experience.
Careers and outcomes
Acquiring an accounting qualification provides essential skills that will greatly benefit your career progression. These skills are valuable in both private and public sectors, including not-for-profit organisations, and are applicable from small start-ups to multinational conglomerates, as well as for local tax accountants to those working in global advisory services.
Upon completing this course, you'll be eligible to enter professional programs offered by CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, and the Institute of Public Accountants.
Professional recognition
The Master of Business (Professional Accounting) meets the accreditation requirements for CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) and the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). Graduates are able to enrol in their respective professional programs.
Graduates are also eligible for exemptions in the qualifying program for membership of the UK-based Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).
More information on membership requirements of professional bodies can be found at their websites, linked above.
Possible careers
- Accountant
- Chartered accountant
- Chartered tax adviser
- Chief financial officer
- Management accountant
- Nonprofit accountant
- Senior budget analyst
- Tax accountant
The Master of Business is designed in three blocks of study:
1. Foundation studies (48 credit points)
2. Discipline studies (96 credit points)
3. Complementary studies (48 credit points)
Students with an undergraduate degree that is not in Business or a related field of study will undertake 192 credit points of study commencing with Foundation studies.
Students who have completed an undergraduate degree in Business or related field of study with a minimum GPA of 4 (on a 7 point scale) will undertake 144 credit points of study in their course. Students will commence their Masters in the Foundation studies block.
The Master of Business is designed in three blocks of study:
1. Foundation studies (48 credit points)
2. Discipline studies (96 credit points)
3. Complementary studies (48 credit points)
Students with an undergraduate degree that is not in Business or a related field of study will undertake 192 credit points of study commencing with Foundation studies.
Students who have completed an undergraduate degree in Business or related field of study with a minimum GPA of 4 (on a 7 point scale) will undertake 144 credit points of study in their course. Students will commence their Masters in the Foundation studies block.
- Course code
- BS11
- CRICOS code
- 085448J
-
- Online
- Gardens Point
-
- Gardens Point
- 1 - 2 years full-time
- 3 - 4 years part-time
- 1.5 - 2 years full-time
- February and July
- February and July
Entry requirements
2 year program
You must have a recognised bachelor degree (or higher) in any discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.00 (on QUT’s 7 point scale).
1.5 year program
You must have:
- A recognised bachelor degree (or higher) in business or a related discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.00 (on QUT’s 7 point scale); or
- A recognised bachelor degree (or higher) in any discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.00 (on QUT’s 7 point scale) followed by at least seven years full-time (or equivalent) work experience in business or a related discipline.
Note
This program has not been designed for students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in accounting, or equivalent, that has been accredited by CPA Australia or Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.
We recognise not all overseas accounting qualifications will meet the professional requirements to gain membership with CPA Australia or Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.
If you have an accounting qualification from outside Australia/New Zealand, and you should contact the CPA Australia or Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand to determine what additional studies you may need to undertake to meet the professional bodies requirements.
Minimum academic requirements
Academic entry requirements
As part of QUT's application for admission process, you will be automatically assessed for the 1.5 year program. If you wish to be considered for the 2 year program only, please indicate this on your application form.
Master of Business - 1.5 year program
- A completed recognised bachelor degree in business or related field with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 4.00 (on QUT's 7 point scale).
Master of Business - 2 year program
- A completed recognised bachelor degree in any discipline with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 4.00 (on QUT's 7 point scale).
Note
This course has not been designed for students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in accounting, or equivalent, that has been accredited by CPA Australia or Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.
We recognise that not all overseas accounting qualifications will meet the professional requirements to gain membership with CPA Australia or Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.
If you have an accounting qualification from outside Australia/ New Zealand, and you should contact the CPA Australia or Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand to determine what additional studies you may need to undertake to meet the professional bodies requirements.
Pathway
Graduate Certificate in Business and Communication: Applicants with an overall IELTS score of 6 (Reading and Writing no less than 5.5 and no other sub-score below 5) (or accepted equivalent) may be considered for the Graduate Certificate / Masters pathway.
Minimum English language requirements
Select the country where you completed your studies to see a guide on meeting QUT’s English language requirements.
Your scores and prior qualifications in English-speaking countries are considered. Approved English-speaking countries are Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, United States of America and Wales.
If your country or qualification is not listed, you can still apply for this course and we will assess your eligibility.
We accept English language proficiency scores from the following tests undertaken in a secure test centre. Tests must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement.
| English Test | Overall | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic / One Skill Retake | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
|
Cambridge English Score
You must share your results with QUT through the Candidate Results Online website. |
176 | 169 | 169 | 169 | 169 |
| PTE Academic | 58 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| TOEFL iBT | 79 | 16 | 16 | 21 | 18 |
Don't have the English language score you need? We can help!
We offer English language programs to improve your English and help you gain entry to this course.
When you apply for this course, we will recommend which English course you should enrol in.
Advanced standing
If you have completed the Graduate Certificate in Business (Professional Accounting) within the last seven years you will receive credit for 48 credit points.
Advanced standing may also be available to students who have studied a related postgraduate program with another institution within the last five years.
Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. We review fees annually, and they may be subject to increases.
2025 fees
2025: $35,200 per year full-time (96 credit points)
2025 fees
2025: $39,700 per year full-time (96 credit points)
2024 fees
2024: $32,600 per year full-time (96 credit points)
2024 fees
2024: $36,800 per year full-time (96 credit points)
Student services and amenities fees
You may need to pay student services and amenities (SA) fees as part of your course costs.
FEE-HELP: loans to help you pay for your course fees
You may not have to pay anything upfront if you're eligible for a FEE-HELP loan.
You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.
Laurie Cowled Indigenous Scholarship for Business Students
A scholarship for future and current Indigenous female students enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate studies in business.
- Scholarship eligibility
- Indigenous Australian; Struggling financially; Women
Equity scholarships scheme
A scholarship for low-income students studying in any faculty.
- Scholarship eligibility
- Struggling financially
International Merit Scholarship
A high achievement scholarship for future international undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Scholarship eligibility
- Academic performance
QUT Real World International Scholarship
A scholarship to cover tuition fees, with eligibility based on your prior academic achievements.
- Scholarship eligibility
- Academic performance
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